DEVOTION: Psalm 125
The Lord Surrounds His People
A Song of Ascents.
125 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the Lord will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel!
Every day I try to be strong. I work out my body. I try to be tough. I don't let the stuff of this world effect me too much. At least I don't think I do. I think that I have it all pretty well together. Or do I?
Really, in and of myself, I am very weak. One thing going askew in my day can throw off my whole day. An illness could knock me down at any moment. Something happening to someone in my family would ruin me if it were only up to me. I am weak in and of myself.
Yet, I am strong because the Lord surrounds me. He is the barrier between the devil and me. The devil will shoot little arrows that may cause pain from time to time, but the mortal wound will never come. He will try to get to me, but as long as I remain in and trust in the Lord, he can't and won't.
It is in that truth that we put our daily trust. The Lord is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress. He surrounds us with His might, love, forgiveness, and peace so that we can live our lives free from the worry and doubt that still plagues unbelievers. Have peace in that truth today!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for constantly surrounding me with your love and mighty strength, for defeating the devil and keeping him away until the day of eternal life. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilting 9-2
Wed- Worship at Oak Pointe at 9am (an hour earlier than usual)
Thurs- Karate 6:15-7:45; Choir 7pm
Fri- Assemble Newsletter 9am
Sat- NO Worship!! Worship will be one service at 10am on Sunday this week!
Sun- Sunday school 9; Worship 10; Potluck and Festivities 11
________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- Nova Luebke
Ushers- Brent Davis, George Hoelscher, Gary Hoelscher, Ben Hoelscher
Altar- Set up- Cheri Hofeldt; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer
Elders- Al Benton
Greeters- Rob and Julie Schaumberg
Lay Reader- Steve McDowell
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionist: Erv Yoder
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ :
In your own words, what does it mean when Isaiah says "I delight greatly in the Lord"? What does it mean to "delight" in the Lord?
From Don Nolte: Delight means great joy. He took great joy in the fact that he had a God who was his salvation. One he could worship and follow. The same is our great delight to worship in God's house to praise Him for all the wonderful things He has done for us.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Why is Jeremiah called the "weeping prophet"?
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NEWS!!!!
OUR FIRST FIFTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION DAY IS THIS SUNDAY, JULY 30!
Sunday school and Bible Class 9am
Worship 10am
Festivities, Activities, and Potluck 11am-1pm
All are asked to bring either a side dish or salad to share for the potluck.
Be ready to meet some new brothers and sisters in Christ!!
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ALEC AND RACHEL FISHER'S LAST SUNDAY WITH US WILL BE THIS SUNDAY, JULY 30!!
Alec Fisher (the guy who preached while I was on vacation) has received a call to be a pastor in Maryland, therefore Rachel Fisher's (our organist) last Sunday to play organ and violin for us will be July 30. We would like to thank them both for their service to St. John's these past two years with cards and gifts on that day. Please consider bringing a gift to the 5th Sunday celebration on Sunday, July 30 at 11am to show them your appreciation! They, along with their beautiful children, will both be greatly missed.
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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP COMING UP!!! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
The next trip will be to Westport Playhouse on Sunday, Sept 17 for "Church Basement Ladies" a comedy take off on the Lutheran ladies in the kitchen. Men would enjoy also. We would leave at 12:30 p.m. from church and return apx 6:45 p.m. Getting tickets at 1/2 price each ticket $25 plus bus cost & dinner. They are holding 47 tickets for me this week. Call MARILYN FOSTER AT 636-359-0535 or email her at mkfoster@centurytel.net to reserve your tickets!
ANNUAL RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT ST. JOHN'S COMING UP THURSDAY, AUGUST 3!!!
Volunteers are needed to set up and take down before and after and during the drive to sign people in when they come. Call Terry at 456-2888 to sign up! You can make an appointment to donate at redcross.org. Walk ins are always welcome too.
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF JULY IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND PACKETS OF OATMEAL !
GENERAL PRAYERS:
For LOIS FRICK as she has been moved to St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for rehab.
For LIL WINTER as she undergoes tests today to find out why she has a liver infection.
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he undergoes a CT scan to find out about his cancer.
For CAL TAMELER as he awaits much needed surgery on his legs. Surgery is scheduled for August 8.
For THE JACOBSMEYER FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Kent's grandmother.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For SAM HARGROVE deployed in Amman, Jordan and DAN DREYER deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, that the Lord would keep them safe from harm during their service and bring them home safely.
For DAVID TATE stationed in Japan, COLTON FIGURA stationed in California, and ALEX WALTERS, stationed in Tennessee. That God would bless their service to our country and keep them safe as they all await possible deployment.
For CALEB FIGURA AND VINCE MASTERS who are both serving our country in the National Guard and take time out of their lives, jobs, and families to go on duty several times a year.
